The Dress That Had Me At Hello

The Dress That Had Me At Hello

Dress: Three Floor Fashion c/o, Heels: Russell & Bromley, Arm Bangle: Feather & Stone c/o, Bracelets: Nadia Rabosio, Rings: Freedom @ Topshop

If this Three Floor dress could talk (no doubt in the most fabulous raspy, upper East Side New York-en lilt) it would have had me, for sure, at hello. 

I wore this look to our friends' wedding this past weekend, and had the most fun. A stellar dress will do that for you. 

Read on for more pics, and my notes on wedding guest dressing . . . 

Notes on styling: By the end of the Summer I will have been to five weddings this year - the most I have ever been to! I know you guys are smart, and so what I'm about to say will no doubt already be ingrained in your wardrobe psyche, however I feel it's worth repeating: you're comfort at the wedding is paramount, do not sacrifice it for your outfit! Bring a coat, wear comfortable shoes, and an ensemble you can eat in. 

When it comes to clothing, a flattering cut is my go-to for confidence. Be that a great pair of trousers and a structured top, or a fit n' flare dress . . . with room for wedding cake! 

Colour is an easy cheat to looking your best; think of the hue which people most compliment you in and search for a great look in that colour. I love pink, and will have worn it to three of the five weddings this year, I always feel great in it and so it's an easy option for me. For you, a fabulous jade green may be your perfect colour, or cobalt blue, or orange . . . experiment until you find a hue which makes your eyes sparkle, skin glow and you smile! If you find yourself lost in a pile of options, take a photo in your mirror of each, including shoes and accessories, and compare your looks once you've had some time to step away and get some perspective. Ultimately, it comes back to my first point, whatever you feel most comfortable in, you'll look your most fabulous!

Nails: Emma @ Boom Nails 

 

What is your favourite wedding guest outfit? Are you guys heading to any occasions soon? Can you share your failsafe tip for feeling fabulous?

Love, 

MB x 

Khaki T & White Jeans

Khaki T & White Jeans

Jeans: AG Adriano Godschmied c/o, T-Shirt: Forever 21, Bag: Karen Millen Brompton Style c/o, Kitten Heels: Russell & Bromley, Hat: Christys Old

With every new season comes a fresh 'hero hue'. Last season it was baby pink - and this time around it’s khaki. Having said that, to suggest khaki is seasonal, undermines its longevity; for this is a colour worth INVESTING in. Khaki works similarly to denim or leopard print - not quite ‘neutral neutral’ - read: black - but versatile enough to anchor an outfit - providing the sartorial glue. You may not think it, but khaki goes with a lot. Forget any latent army references, khaki can be pretty as well as tough. 

Recently I made a khaki impulse purchase; I nabbed this Forever 21 T-shirt and have worn it a couple of times a week since. It works dressed up - with a leather skirt and black flats - or down - with jeans and converse. It has become such a staple in fact, that I’m already working up a wish list of additional khaki items. This silk-back Elizabeth & James jumper - at 55% off (!) - is testing my shopping resistance. 

I’ve rounded up some of my other favourite khaki items below: 

If you buy ONE khaki item this season, make it this fabulous trans-seasonal duster coat. Push up the sleeves to reveal wrists full of eclectic bracelets. Wear it open over evening slip dresses; or layered with fine knitwear and jeans for day. Believe me, you will not regret the purchase. 

Are you guys colour crushing on khaki too?! Leave me a comment and let me know if you're a convert! 

Have an awesome day all!

Love, 

MB x

Little Black Tunic & Family

Little Black Tunic & Family

Tunic: Diesel Old But Similar And Cheap!, Trainers: Nike Old But Similar, Clutch: Monsoon Artisan, Watch: Casio Sheen c/o, Bracelets: Nadia Rabosio

I spent all of last week helping at my parents' Bed & Breakfast whilst my Mum was travelling and visiting relatives in Italy. Whilst I was stepping into my Mum's shoes, it hit me how immensely proud I am of the 'home away from home' my parents have built over the last 10 years. So many of their guests return each week/month/year proclaiming their love for my Mum, and Dad's, hospitality. Although I've done it before, every time I take on my Mum's role I am hyper aware of just how much HARD work running a Bed & Breakfast is; respect Mama. 

For me, my favourite moments at the B&B were setting up and serving breakfast - YUM - and seeing the bedrooms made up. Beds tucked in, towels on top, tea and biscuits ready for the guests' arrival; there is such a pleasure in (hopefully!) ensuring a guest's comfortable and pleasurable stay. When I finished my stint as head 'B&B-ress' on Monday, I took the whole day off for some serious pampering  - mani, pedi, shopping - the lot! - and allowed myself a full 'me' day. It is SO important to take rest, something I am especially aware of when owning your own business - it is easy to fall into work even on notional days off. 

Coming back yesterday to a backlog of emails was OK in the knowledge that I had recharged my batteries; and my pretty blue mani tapping away on the keyboard helped! In the evening my sister and her boyfriend visited and we spent a beautiful dinner with this view. 

Right now I feel as if I have two uniforms - writing 'home' wear, and my meetings 'work' wear. I am living in T-shirts, frayed denim shorts, comfortable dresses, trainers and sandals at home; and when it comes to meetings I am making more effort to dress up. This black tunic dress is one which I got before my trip to Calvi On The Rocks festival last year. The shape is divinely loose, allowing for me to work, and potter about feeling totally at ease. I have my eye on this oversized T-shirt dress too.  I massively under packed footwear for my stint at the B&B and was so grateful to slip my feet into my favourite pair of Nikes when I got home. When I'm staying local I tend to carry a clutch rather than a bag as I need so little with me. My Monsoon Artisan embellished number has become a perennial favourite, and I love that it dressed up my 'home wear' a little for dinner. I am getting my hair re-dyed this evening, but I've been playing with loose curls which show off the balayage - a ponytail or 'concentration bun' are my secret weapons for staying focused at my desk!

SHOP

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Asos £20.00

Asos £60.00

Asos £40.00

Asos £60.00

Asos £20.00

Nike £65.00

Casio £59.99

Asos £42.00

Nike £75.00

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It is good to be back into a normal routine, but I am so grateful to have a family where we can step in and help each other out when we need it. I think that growing up with self-employed parents made me hungry to start my own venture, and I will forever be thankful for their encouragement in the start up stages, through to current developments, with The Elgin Avenue and my ventures. SAME to you guys, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, and being an awesome support - TEA's extended family rocks too!

Who or what inspires you guys? What is your everyday uniform looking like right now? As always, leave a comment and let me know . . . !

Love, 

MB x

Luxe Staples

Luxe Staples

T-Shirt: Wishbone c/o, Leather Skirt: Wishbone c/o, Clutch: Russell & Bromley c/o, Bracelets: Next & Nadia Rabosio

I am always on the look out for stores to shop luxe staples -  those perfectly cut, jerseys, silks, cashmere and leathers which partner up with EVERYTHING - and so when I came across new brand Wishbone, which is as obsessed with fabric and cut as I am, I was super excited to give their wardrobe building blocks a whirl. 

I have been reaching for my 'Gaby Scoop Tee' non stop since it came into my life a couple of weeks ago, and the 'Lauren Leather Skirt' ticks SO many sartorial boxes, I know I am going to wear it again and again come A/W. 

I wore this look to dinner a couple of nights ago with Oli and my Dad. We were checking out a new burger haunt (panic: leather skirt - you can't undo the top button?!) but I can thankfully, gratefully, delightedly, confirm that the Wishbone Lauren Skirt is crazy comfy - plenty accommodating for burger, fries and dessert. YAY. I loved wearing this look with a simple grey tee and pointed flats, but I know that the skirt is really going to come into its own in the Autumn when I can pair it with a thin knit, a cape and some cute ankle booties. Now that I've experienced the joy of the Wishbone Lauren skirt I'm seriously considering investing in the caramel version too - what do you guys think? For £160 it's one of the best prices I've seen for such a good fit and quality. 

You can shop the Wishbone A/W collection here. I highly recommend dipping into the leather and tops tabs. Wishbone also have an awesome Summer sale on - I picked up this beautiful Orly Broderie Tunic for a wedding later in the Summer. 

Wishbone currently have a pop up space in London until the end of July. Swing by the store and see if you don't fall in love with this new luxe staples go-to too! Address: 3 Brompton Road, London, SW3 1DE.

What are the building blocks of your wardrobe? Do you have pieces which you buy in bulk? 

Have a super day all!

Love, 

MB x 

- This post was created in collaboration with Wishbone - 

Fallback Dress

Fallback Dress

Dress: Vintage Try Beyond Retro For Similar Vibes , Heels: Next c/o, Backpack: ASOS In Yellow

I own a handful of dresses which serve as my fallback when I don't want to think too hard about what I am going to wear. I bought this vintage dress a couple of years ago and have lost count of the number of times I've worn it. Vintage prints don't date, and I love the loose fitting shape - perfect cinched in with a belt for meetings - like today - or worn free when I fancy a little more room. Last night was 'a little more room' occasion when I wore it with flats and red lipstick for an impromptu dinner.

Do you guys have fallback pieces which you rely on time and time again? 

Have a super day all!

Love, 

MB x

Gossip Girl Worthy Gowns

Gossip Girl Worthy Gowns

Dress: Karen Millen - On Sale! // Clutch: Russell & Bromley c/o // Earrings: Accessorize - LOVE These c/o // Cuff: Karen Millen

In my books any dress which makes you feel an iota like you should be on a Gossip Girl set is hitting the jackpot BIG time. This Karen Millen gown (on sale!) was a last minute find for a ball I attended with friends last weekend. The shape sits tight to the body, and nips in and out in all the right places. The hot orange hue caught my eye immediately, and is super flattering with a gentle tan.

I've rounded up 22 (!) beautiful Gossip Girl worthy gowns for you -  perfect for black tie occasions, weddings, an option for bridesmaids . . . or a date with Chuck Bass.  Prices range from £45 - hover over each image for full details. 

Read on for more photos and my notes on accessories . . . 

Styling Notes:

Jewellery: Recently I've come to favour a statement earring + statement cuff for an evening look. I wore this to the Opera last week too. Both of my recent occasion dresses had interesting necklines and so earrings complimented rather than detracting, however if you have a simpler canvas like this shift dress, then a larger necklace is striking. This Lulu Frost piece caught my eye recently and is currently on sale.  Cuffs are a great alternative to bracelets for the evening, they create more of an impact. Accessorize, The Outnet and Bauble Bar are all amazing for occasion jewellery.

Shoes & Handbags: Black tie do's tend to come with a dancing prerequisite - YAY - and so a pair of shoes which look AND feel great is a must. I have had this pair of Zara heels for three years and still rely on them time and time again. For a clutch I have been carrying this Palermo bag from Russell & Bromley, I love the ballet pink hue. I am a HUGE fan of a clutch clash; pale dress + colour pop,  LBD (long black dress) + beaded aztec, hot pink + pale grey . . . ugh I want ALL these combinations! Remember you don't need to carry a lot in your clutch, but you do need to get the essentials in, make sure you trial your bag before your event. I always carry my phone, lip balm, house keys, card and some cash.

Below I've rounded up 6 beautiful accessories which are perfect for now

This weekend I have one of my best friends and her boyfriend coming to stay. We lived together before Ols and I moved in and I have missed seeing each other so often! We are planning a lot of food, drinks and catchups. 

Hope you guys have an awesome one too! Happy Friday peeps!!

Love, 

MB x

Slogan Jumper + Denim Cutoffs

Slogan Jumper + Denim Cutoffs

pic from my Instagram 

Shorts: Vintage but similar // Jumper: LOVE this  // Pumps: Converse Jack Purcell 

Slogan jumper + denim cutoffs . . . this is a 'willing the weather to get better' kind of outfit! Yes it was optimistic given that it was grey when I left the house BUT the sun is now shining! A little faith peeps!

Would it work if I BELIEVE these Sophia Webster sandals into my wardrobe?! No but seriously.

SHOP 

Tonight I'm rustling up these crazy-delicious-looking nachos for my girlfriends who are coming over - cheers to the food coma to come!

Have an awesome evening all!

Love, 

MB x

Peasant Blouse & Three Floor Trousers

Peasant Blouse & Three Floor Trousers

Hey pretties!

Trousers: Three Floor c/o, Peasant Blouse: Next c/o, Espadrilles: Next: c/o, Clutch: Accessorize, Necklace: Satya, Sunglasses: Anthropologie

I love a print clash and these Three Floor trousers have been an awesome find for the chillier evenings here in Menorca. A peasant blouse is a great buy for Summer, they can be dressed up for work, as seen on Laura Fantacci from Wearing It Today, and dressed down for a cool day look as seen on Ella from Cocos Tea Party (side note: these ladies' blogs are two of my daily reads!)

Righto, Ols and I are off to enjoy our penultimate day in Menorca. 

Thank you for all of your super sweet Instagram comments - we're having the loveliest time!

Have a super day all!

Love, 

MB x